The Samsung Galaxy S21 series marked a significant shift in flagship smartphone design philosophy.
In short: When Samsung launched the Galaxy S21, it abandoned several features that once defined its identity, including expandable storage and included wall chargers. While the company cited environmental concerns for these changes, the move sparked debate, especially given Samsung's previous marketing campaigns that mocked competitors for adopting those exact same policies.
The Galaxy S21 series, unveiled in early 2021, represented a major transition for Samsung's flagship lineup. The series included four models: the S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, and the later S21 FE. A notable departure from the preceding S20 series was the removal of the microSD card slot, a feature that had been a staple for years. This decision was particularly controversial because, in 2018, Samsung had aired a series of commercials titled 'Ingenious' that specifically ridiculed Apple for removing ports and features from its devices.
Hardware specifications across the series varied significantly. Depending on the region, the phones utilized either the Exynos 2100 or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. While the S21 and S21 FE featured reinforced polycarbonate backs, the S21+ and S21 Ultra utilized Gorilla Glass Victus. The S21 Ultra stood out as the first in the S series to support the S Pen, though it required a separate purchase and lacked a dedicated storage slot on the device itself. Furthermore, the series introduced a new model number format, transitioning from the long-standing 'SM-G9xx' to 'SM-S123X' for future flagships.
The camera systems also became a point of contention. Users discovered that the Scene Optimizer used artificial intelligence to add details to moon photos that the camera could not physically capture. Samsung disputed the claim, asserting that their algorithm simply enhances existing detail. Despite such controversies, reviewers like Dieter Bohn of The Verge and David Imel of Android Authority praised the S21 Ultra as a powerhouse, highlighting its display quality and performance. However, the removal of in-box chargers and earphones—justified by Samsung as an effort to reduce e-waste—remained a point of criticism, as users often had to purchase these items separately, potentially negating the intended environmental benefits.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Samsung Galaxy S21
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